Austrade media release

Wednesday, 21 November 2007

Thanks to its increased prosperity and continuing growth, China now boasts the fastest growing golf industry in Asia.

There are already more than 240 golf courses across China and the number of courses is increasing by 30 per cent annually, with hundreds of courses currently under construction to accommodate the expected boom in golfers.

Around one million Chinese are fans of the sport, but with incomes on the rise, numbers are forecast to grow exponentially for some years to come, prompting Australian businesses to tackle the lucrative market by taking part in next year’s China Golf Show at Beijing.

According to Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioner in Guangzhou, Alan Morrell, Australian companies have already tasted success in exporting their goods and services to the Chinese golf industry. And with the market hungry for more golf courses and products, the time is right for other businesses to consider entry into the Chinese market.

“We’ve had some great success stories in recent times, such as Cashmore Design, a Victorian company which has been responsible for the design of several golf courses in China”, Mr Morrell said.

“As well as course design, Australian companies have gained popularity in golf education and coaching. Australia has almost seven times as many golf courses as China and around 20 per cent more players, so our businesses have the experience and capabilities to meet the demands of the growing Chinese market.”

“Australia is well-regarded in China for its expertise in design and management, particularly when it comes to being green.

“Austrade is proud to support the Australian National Pavilion with the Asia-Australia Commercial Development Association at next year’s China Golf Show, and we encourage Australian companies involved in the golf industry to consider exhibiting.”

Cashmore Design CEO James Cashmore said the China Golf Show was an event not to be missed.

“We’ve been exhibiting at the China Golf Show for several years now and we’ll be there again in March,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity to understand what’s happening within the golf industry in China. I’m constantly amazed by the number of potential clients who attend the Golf Show. Without doubt, they are interested and keen to understand more about the capabilities of Australian businesses.”

He also said Austrade was instrumental to his business’ success in China.

“Our relationship with Austrade has been pivotal to our success in China; put simply, without Austrade we would not have achieved anything close to what we have accomplished.”

“They have dedicated staff in nearly every region and are always willing to support us where we need it,” Mr Cashmore said.

Applications to join the Australian National Pavilion at the 2008 China Golf Show close on 7 December.

Interviews are available with Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioner in Guangzhou, Alan Morrell.

ENDS

Media contact

Alisha Allen
Tel: +61 9390 2745
Mob: +61 419 267 780

For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au/mediacentre.